Leaves Of Grass (1884)

Celebrating nature, democracy, and individualism, this collection features over 400 poems in its 1884 "deathbed" edition, the last published during Whitman's lifetime. The work delves into love, death, spirituality, and the American experience, employing a groundbreaking free verse style and unconventional imagery. While praised for its optimism and inclusivity, it has faced criticism for its candid portrayal of sexuality. As a landmark in American literature, it embodies Whitman's vision of a democratic and egalitarian society.